Commencement 2020 Questions

We know you have questions and we will provide answers based on factual information. If we do not immediately have an answer, we will update you as soon as possible. Please know that your University and College administrators are diligently working to provide meaningful alternative events to recognize and celebrate your accomplishments. We appreciate your understanding and value your input as we all navigate uncharted territory.

Students will receive a partial refund of $200. These funds will be transferred directly to student bank accounts by April 14, 2020. If you do not receive the reimbursement by that date, contact the Bursars Office.

While this may work for some programs, many move on to residencies soon after graduation. Additionally, the issue of having multiple contracts makes postponing to another tentative date very difficult.

Could 2020 graduates attend the ceremony in 2021?

We will be surveying 2020 grads to see how many would be interested in participating in a commencement ceremony in 2021. We are also exploring capacity to accommodate those who may be interested.

Why can’t we cancel two weeks before the event instead of now.

Unfortunately, cancelling commencement contracts could not wait until two weeks before the event. Contract clauses were reviewed by legal counsel and the best decision was made with the information presented. Also, the commencement venue must comply with county and state restrictions for holding large gatherings. At this point, we do not know if they will be open for business in mid-May.

Will a college specific celebration still be possible?

The colleges are interested in developing individual recognition and commemoration events for their graduates, in person at a later date, if possible. Students hope to capture the experience of Commencement as much as is “virtually” possible if in-person celebrations are not feasible. Student will be surveyed to determine what commencement traditions are most valued.

The ceremony is not possible, but will there be a printed program?

In collaboration with University Publications we are planning to produce a printed program, as we typically do, to memorialize Commencement 2020. Programs will be sent to each graduate.

This depends on your program. Diplomas cannot be released until the Registrar’s Office confirms that all graduation requirements have been met.

How will graduates receive their diploma, cap, gown, hood, honors cords and stoles.

Diplomas will be mailed to graduates along with regalia hoods, honors cords, military cords, and other awards and recognitions. This will be accomplished by coordinated efforts between the Office of the Registrar and the colleges.

I already received my cap, gown and tassel. Am I also getting a set from the University?

No. The regalia (cap/gown/hood/tassel) was purchased by the University as a package but the order was split into two shipments. The bulk hoods are shipped to the University (for the traditional hooding ceremony) and each graduate indicates their cap & gown size on the Jostens order form which is then shipped to their home. The fee paid by graduates to Jostens was only for shipping (approximately $13.00). Graduates should have received the cap/gown/tassel from Jostens already and hoods will be included in one of your shipments from the University giving you a full set of regalia.